August 4 Technopole

There has been some rain daily in Dakar so far this month, but whatever the origins of most of the water on the main lake, it is much drier than this time last year and it is possible to wander out close to the main gull roost. This held the now expected Franklins gulls, with thee today clocking up a full 12 months’ residence in Dakar. The summering second year Mediterranean gull was seen and the two skimmers have now spent a week here. One briefly skimmed, but not long enough to be photographed.

Franklin’s gull preening

The loose flock of waders mainly comprised a very nervous group of ruff, which was the only species to flee my approach, and these black-tailed godwits.

A shikra briefly flew through and the column of thermalling birds included the now resident anhingas and a typical count of around 20 hooded vultures.

Header photo: Cap Vert IBA, Dakar

The defunct, twin volcanoes of Mamelles, in Dakar's Ouakam arrondissement, with Cape Verde Shearwaters and Bottle-nosed Dolphins. The rocky coast of Dakar, forming the Cap Vert Important Bird Area, is an outstanding site for seabirds (photo: P. Robinson)